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Judge Kenneth Maciver told Cornei: “This was a disgusting and disgraceful sexual assault on a entirely innocent and unsuspecting 14-year-old girl who was out cycling on a quiet summer's evening last year.

“This appalling attack also has a sinister edge to it. I am clear on the available evidence this was no chance encounter. It was planned and premeditated.

“It can't be a coincidence that when this girl came out the shop she had a flat tyre. I am clear you deflated the tyre.

“When she stopped to check her tyre, within 40 seconds you were beside her and offered to pump up her tyre. After a further 30 seconds you produced from your pocket a sliver of broken glass.”

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Judge Maciver said that Cornei should be compulsorily returned to Romania at the end of his sentence.

The court heard that the girl's ordeal only ended when Cornei demanded money and she managed to gesture to the bag she had on her back. When he grabbed it off her she managed to break free and run for help.

The court heard that Cornei's victim has suffered ongoing and enduring emotional trauma.

After trial, Ciornei was unanimously found guilty of the rape on August 7, 2016, but he continues to protest his innocence.

The schoolgirl said in evidence she cycled Asda to buy sweets and chained her bike outside when she saw Ciornei sitting nearby.